A laboratory instrument with a housing containing a weighing cell has a working compartment that is connected to the housing. The working compartment has a floor, a top cover, a rear wall, a front wall and two sidewalls. Arranged in the working compartment is a load receiver which is connected to the weighing cell. Also connected to the housing is at least one guiding device which serves to guide a linear movement and simultaneous swivel movement of individual portions of the front wall or the entire front wall.